Mobile applications are in massive use today, and projected to overtake desktops as a preferred method of connecting to the internet in the very near future. That’s according to multiple sources, including DudaMobile’s new infographic illustrating the Top Five Industries to Go Mobile on Mashable. The same infographic shows the automotive industry to be in the top five but in last place, with only 6% of auto-related businesses using the apps. That figure includes all transportation and automobile industry segments, including services and taxis. While it’s good to see that we’re in the vanguard of early adopters, the numbers demonstrate that there’s room for an awful lot of growth in utilizing this channel to reach consumers.

There’s a big overlap between smartphone users and new car buyers. They tend to be the people with the inclination and income to purchase a new car, so it’s an easy leap to think that creating custom mobile apps is an idea worth pursuing for your dealership. These are also folks who have and demand access to information wherever and whenever they want it, so making sure news and details about your dealership is included in what they find makes real sense.

Mobile applications have a lot to offer marketers because they are completely customizable to deliver all the information buyers could want, along with special invitations and offers that will bring them in for a visit to your showroom. If you’re interested in developing a mobile app for your customers, think about including:

• About Us page. Scale it for mobile phone screens and keep it to vital information only. This lets buyers check out your dealership’s basic information without getting hung up waiting for slow page loads or scrolling back and forth on pages designed for desktop-sized screens.
• News, events and blogs. Include this for users’ perusal as they roam, keeping them in the know about industry developments and happenings at your dealership.
• Inventory list. This is a bit of a complex undertaking for a mobile app, but it can be done. It’s an ideal way to keep customers up-to-date while reminding them that you’ve got what they want.
• Map. Make it painfully easy for smartphone users to click one link and get directions to your location using their GSP system. The easier you make it to drop by, the more often buyers will indulge themselves in the opportunity.
• Contact page. You can design this to allow users to request a quote or submit questions as well as just offer an easily clickable phone number to those who prefer calling.
• Social media linking. Let users strengthen your web presence and boost your SEO from the app by re-tweeting, re-posting, liking and commenting on your social media networks.
• Useful tools. Encourage frequent use of your mobile app by including some popular tools to help drivers, such as mileage calculators and parking space locators. You can also offer tools to help in the buying process like financing calculators and links to review sites.

Mobile technology is one of the fastest-growing aspects of all media today, and dealerships have a lot to gain by getting on board. Follow consumers to their mobile phones and you’ll sell more cars. It’s that simple.